Letter From the Editor
by Samantha Peltrau, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
by Samantha Peltrau, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
Fairness is one foundational tenet of our country: In theory, all Americans should have a fair and equal shot at success and prosperity. The “American Dream” is the belief that everyone in the U.S has the potential and deserves the resources to succeed in life and build wealth for themselves, on the condition that they work diligently to achieve that goal. But in many cases, this is not true at all.
Redlining, genocide, hate crimes, segregation, sodomy laws, and voting restrictions are just some historical examples of how “hard work” for some Americans has no direct correlation to the fulfillment of our dreams. And thus, we, the people, rely on fair systems (and fellow citizens) to be more than impartial or objective, but also equitable, honorable, and just. For those of us in minority groups because of our ethnicity, heritage, religion, or gender identity for example, it is a fact that in this country, we do not always have an equal prospect at living an unburdened life due to prejudice and discrimination.
Redlining, genocide, hate crimes, segregation, sodomy laws, and voting restrictions are just some historical examples of how “hard work” for some Americans has no direct correlation to the fulfillment of our dreams. And thus, we, the people, rely on fair systems (and fellow citizens) to be more than impartial or objective, but also equitable, honorable, and just. For those of us in minority groups because of our ethnicity, heritage, religion, or gender identity for example, it is a fact that in this country, we do not always have an equal prospect at living an unburdened life due to prejudice and discrimination.
Executive Director Scott Galvin
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Working to address disparities in different communities are a plethora of organizations in South Florida, including Safe Schools South Florida (SSSF), an organization comprised of “education professionals'' that aims to create safe and affirming communities and schools for all students, namely LGBTQIA+ identifying youth. To the Executive Director, Scott Galvin, GSA clubs are “vitally important” to SSSF’s mission as they are “environments where [students] can be themselves and not feel endangered.”
In an interview, Galvin and I discussed the mission of SSSF during which he affirmed that #Fairness is imperative to it. Galvin asserts that “#Fairness means providing an equal shot to students, no matter what their nationality, religion, or other background. Not every school offers the same culture of acceptance as others. As a result, many students do not have the same opportunities for success in their overall academic career. Being fair is more than giving equal access to equipment and facilities. Being fair includes providing support to the "whole child." |
Galvin works to implement GSA’s and similar clubs in as many schools as possible, as well as connect them together for county-wide training and cooperation, including through conferences such as the GSA Leadership summit each “fall,” an event I had the honor of attending with my GSA board in November. This event at the Coral Gables Congressional Church is an opportunity to connect to other GSAs, build relationships, learn club activity ideas, and hear about pressing issues in the community.
Javier Gomez, iPrep’s GSA President, and I were invited to speak on a panel for more than 100 students about “How our GSA is so successful.” We discussed our club’s mission, strategies for member retention, and our favorite club activities. We saw this opportunity as part of a wider goal of GSA: creating leaders passionate about initiating productive change for the LGBTQIA+ community, furthering the ideals of #Fairness.
I have learned from this experience, the Summit, and my involvement with GSA that to be fair is to be more than solely impartial, objective, and lawful, it is also to treat everyone with respect and dignity no matter their circumstances, and stand up for them when you can use certain privileges or platforms to do so. Making the effort to understand your peers and have kinder day-to-day interactions makes you a fair and empathetic individual above all else.
Javier Gomez, iPrep’s GSA President, and I were invited to speak on a panel for more than 100 students about “How our GSA is so successful.” We discussed our club’s mission, strategies for member retention, and our favorite club activities. We saw this opportunity as part of a wider goal of GSA: creating leaders passionate about initiating productive change for the LGBTQIA+ community, furthering the ideals of #Fairness.
I have learned from this experience, the Summit, and my involvement with GSA that to be fair is to be more than solely impartial, objective, and lawful, it is also to treat everyone with respect and dignity no matter their circumstances, and stand up for them when you can use certain privileges or platforms to do so. Making the effort to understand your peers and have kinder day-to-day interactions makes you a fair and empathetic individual above all else.
Clubs at the GSA Leadership Summit playing a game
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And so, I conjecture that creating a more FAIR society begins with the actions we take as individuals. How will you step up and make the American Dream more reality than fantasy? For how much longer will a better future elude us, and for how much longer will complacency drive it farther away? That’s why organizations like Safe Schools and their members do a wonderful job at connecting people to resources and knowledge that will make students’ educational experiences easier, promoting #Fairness, for all students.
But, as individuals we also have the free will and capability to make just as much impact. Whether you’d like to become a leader in an extracurricular activity or help a classmate with an assignment they couldn’t figure out, you can level the playing field and make your own environments, classes, and communities more fair. Such opportunities are boundless and will lead to bold change, potentially sparking dialogue, action, change, and #Fairness. |
